Ian Somerhalder has spoken of his grief after a regular crew member on The Vampire Diaries was killed while working on Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider.

Sarah Elizabeth Jones was among those filming a dream sequence on a train trestle when an unexpected freight train appeared and struck her. Others were injured.

The 27-year-old, the second camera assistant, was identified by police and hailed as "a great light in the room" by a former colleague.

"She commanded such respect with her work ethic, but she was still always the light in the room," Gavin McCulley, a TV military consultant and long-time friend said.

Ian Somerhalder and director Randall Miller (WENN)

"It could be pouring rain and she'd be standing there with a smile on her face. I am just devastated."

Somerhalder tweeted: "My heart is heavy-theTVD fam&I lost a very dear sister of ours.An amazing woman,leaving us too soon.Hug your loved ones,hug them so tightly (sic)".

According to the New York Daily News, the tragedy occured at approximately 4:00pm on Thursday after the crew were given permission from officials to film in the area after two scheduled trains passed through.

But when a third arrived, the team was left to scramble for safety with seconds' notice. Director Randall Miller allegedly fell but was saved by a photographer.